Kannada Sangha of Arizona 25 Years Highlights November 2013

Table of Contents 1.

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Introduction Highlights of KSA 25 Years a. Introduction p3 b. KSA Formation p4 c. KSA Drama Culture p4-7 d. KSA Platform for Youth p8-13 e. KSA dramas in California p13-14 f. Dr Modi, C Ashwath and others at KSA p15 g. Sandalwood Movies, Actors, Directors at KSA p16-17 h. KSA 1998 Sammelana & AKKA Formation p17-19 i. KSA “Mysore Masala Dosa" at IACRF India Festival p20-21 j. Heralding KSA Banner across USA at AKKA & NAVIKA p21-23 k. “Kavya-Chitra” & Yakshagana p23 l. KSA Annual Picnic p23-24 m. KSA at Discover India by India Association p26 n. KSA at IACRF Charity Walk p26 o. AKKA Charity Show Manoranjini p27 p. KSA presents “Discover Karnataka” p28-29 q. KSA recognition by IACRF p29

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List of Dignitaries and Artists at KSA p30-31 Contributors to KSA25 Journey Report p31 First 25 Presidents of KSA p32 KSA Boards and Committees to Silver Jubilee p33-34 ****************************************************

KSA25- A Journey Down the Memory Lane

by Jagdish Sagar, KSA President 2000-2001 In this presentation one will get a glimpse of how Kannada Sangha of Arizona(KSA) is accomplishing its objectives by bringing together everyone interested in cultural and linguistic heritage of Karnataka(India) by organizing cultural, literary, educational and other programs of particular interest to Kannadigas, working together with other cultural associations in Arizona, North America and India, integrating our youth and other members in various cultural activities and representing the KSA at the State, National and International organizations involved in the promotion of social and cultural activities. Pictures include: KSA hosting dignitaries from around the globe Heralding of KSA banner across the country KSA raising funds for the needy KSA providing a platform for everyone from youth to seniors KSA working with other cultural associations in Arizona KSA integrating members in various cultural activities Notable highlights are listed with corresponding photographs from 1988 through 2013. Also included is the list of dignitaries who visited KSA. All 25 KSA Presidents are recognized on the last page. We wish the organization all the best as it looks forward to celebrate Golden Jubilee in the year 2038.

NOTABLE KSA HIGHLIGHTS FROM the PAST 25 YEARS! 1. In 1987, Dr. G.S. Shivarudrappa, esteemed Kannada poet and writer, blessed the idea of forming a Kannada Association in Arizona. B.S.B. Murthy, Seetha V. Ramaiah and N.V. Shamasundar spearheaded the efforts.

2. Kannada Sangha of Arizona was founded on the Ugadi day on March 18, 1988. The Constitution and by-laws were developed and a KSA Newsletter “Kannada Vani” in English was started to communicate with the members.

Music Program by Padma Shivaswamy, Shantala, Vijaya Prabhakar - 1988-1989 3. Kannada Sangha was the first Indian organization in the Valley, to extend its support to Indo-American Foundation of Arizona for building the Community Center in 1988.

4. In August, 1988 KSA organized its first music program: a bhajan and patriotic songs concert by brothers Sri N. Krishnaswamy and Sri S.N. Subba Rao of Vivekananda Society, Bangalore.

5. Very popular Kannada sugama sangeetha singer Mysore Ananthaswamy visits with his talented children Sunitha and Raju and presents KSA with an enjoyable and unforgettable music program in August 1988.

Mysore Ananthaswamy & Raju in 1988 KSA Elections in 1989 6. KSA starts drama culture with “Punarjanma” drama in 1988 setting the stage for many more dramas in the coming years. In 1989 KSA presented a one hour show titled "Through the Pages of Indian History" during the celebration of India’s Independence Day by India Association of Phoenix. KSA assembled more than 45 people from most Indian Associations in Phoenix for providing a glimpse of India's history starting from the ‘caveman’ to Rajiv Gandhi- the then Prime Minister of India. Members of the Indian community applauded the quality of the KSA presentation. This program established KSA as one of the Premier Indian organizations in Phoenix.

Scenes from “Through the pages of History” show 1989 7. 'Kannada Drama Day' was arranged in 1990 with dramas including T.P. Kailasam's “Bandvalavillada Badai”, and "Stage Matters" by ladies of the KSA. “Night Beat” an adaptation of Master Hirannaiah’s drama follows in 1992.

The second drama day was held in 1993 with three amazing dramas from the artists in the Valley. One of the well-recognized Dramas was Master Hirannaiah's 'paschaathapa '. In 1998 KSA presents a well-received mega drama, “Vichitra Vathara” during Phoenix Sammelana. This was followed by “Sri Krishna Sandhana” at a KSA function in 1999. During 2002 Ugadi, KSA presents a mega drama “Dashavatara” with more than 50 KSA ladies to depict the 10 avatars of Shri Vishnu. During 2002 Banquet a modern drama” Kaliyug Ramayana” gets cheers from the attendees. Scenes from few of the dramas and skits over the 25 years are shown below.

Scenes from “Night Beat” drama in 1992(left) “Vichitra Vatara” drama in 1998 (below) Few more dramas by KSA: “Poojari USA (Under Special Assignment) Deepavali in 1994 “Bangalore to Tirupati Non Stop” During Ugadi 1995 and many more…….

All visiting dignitaries and artists including Dr. S.L Bhyrappa, Dr. GSS, Prof.

Nissar Ahmed, YK Muddu Krishna, Ratnamala Prakash, C. Ashwath and many others praise the KSA for its legendary hospitality!

KEEP IT UP KSA!

Scenes from “Krishna Sandhana” drama in 1999 (right) “Dashavatara” drama in 2002 (center) “Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma” Humorous skit in 2005 (below)

See list of KSA 25 Presidents who served the organization on the last page of this report.

Consider leading the organization as KSA moves towards Golden Jubilee in 2038!

Participants of “Kaliyug Ramayana” drama 2002

Skit “Jeenjata”2005 – Genie trouble!

Costumes Of India 2001

“Premloka” participants 2006

Artists from “Dashavatara with a twist - different forms of art” in 2011 8. During 1991, KSA establishes “Family Emergency Fund” to provide immediate assistance to families in critical financial situation.

9. KSA invites Karnataka Cultural Association of Southern California to stage a Kannada drama “Date with David” in November 1991.

10. KSA Presents “Namma Karnataka” show in 1991 in Phoenix, with 35 kids representing the 19 districts of Karnataka and 16 kids in supporting roles.

Here are some of the pictures from the cultural programs showcasing children and others.

Invocation during KSA program in 1990

Uttara Kannada Dance Deepavali 1992

Asha Gopal trains young children for a KSA and India Association Dance program - 1994 KSA Children group singing at India Association’s Republic Day Program January 1994 (left) Deepavali 1995 program(below left)

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer with KSA youth at India Festival 2010 at Community Center

KSA Children perform for Deepavali 1995

KSA Youth perform musical interlude during Deepavali 2000

Children Dance during 1997 Ugadi

KSA Youth Prashant on Saxophone in 2000 Fashion Show during Ugadi 2001

Food most important part of KSA! (See below)

“Delhiya Maha Murkaru” Skit during Ugadi 2001

2002 KSA Ugadi program with a dance by young girls “Swayamvara” skit at India Association by KSA youth 2001(below left) and boys ready to perform at Ugadi 2003(below)

2004 Ugadi dance program by girls

2005 Boys dance program

“Onake Obavva� Skit by Children during Ugadi 2006

2005 Ugadi dance program by girls

KSA Youth Group Kannada Camp-2005

Deepavali 2007 Children costume show

Young boys sing during Deepavali 2009

2011 Deepavali group song

2013 Ugadi Chefs!

Jamakandi Madhuvi by children 2009 (left) and Ugadi New Year Children dance program in 2013 above.

11. KSA board develops a logo in 1992. A new logo was developed by KSA Board during the year 2000 and is being used since then.

12. “Fun Friday” event held during January 1992 raising funds to support the Indo-American Cultural and Religious Foundation.

13. KSA at the invitation of Karnataka Cultural Association of Southern California presents the mythological drama “Kacha Devayani” in February 1992 during the Kannada drama festival.

KSA goes to Los Angeles in 1992!

Mythological drama

“Kacha Devayani” at the Kannada drama festival by Karnataka Cultural Association of Southern California

14. 1993 KSA board arranges a naming contest for KSA Newsletter and incidentally settles on the same name “Kannada Vani” that had been used briefly in 1988

15. KSA participates in Southern California Kannada Natakothsava (Drama Festival) in 1993 and presents the drama 'Avarigu Kashta Bante'. Audience and the critics judge it as the best drama of the evening.

1993 KSA drama in California

“Avarigu Kashta Bante” Audience and the critics judge it as the best drama of the evening!

16. Karnataka Cultural Association of Southern California hosted Western Region Kannada Sammelana in April 1996.

KSA artists participated in cultural activities including presenting the drama Master Hirannaiah’s “paschaatapa” and another drama “Bhoopathi Gandugalu” based on a Master Hirannaiah’s drama.

“Bhoopathi Gandugalu” in Los Angeles by KSA 1996

KSA is honored by KCASC

Heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all volunteers including KSA Presidents, Special Event and Project Chairs, Officers, Directors, Members, Sister Organizations, Attendees, Visiting Dignitaries & Artists and many others for lending a hand to KSA to successfully reach an important milestone of “Silver Jubilee”. KSA 1988-2013

17. KSA presents musical concert by Kannada Sugama Sangeetha Singer Sunita Ananthaswamy daughter of the great singer Mysore Ananthaswamy in June 1994 in Phoenix.

18.

KSA felicitates Dr. M. C. Modi, World Famous Ophthalmologist in Phoenix in 1995 19.

KSA raises funds for 1995 Los Angeles Earthquake disaster relief holding a South Indian food festival.

20.

Kannada Sangha of Arizona was registered as a Non-Profit Organization in Arizona in 1995.

21.

Dasa Sahitya Scholar Aralumallige Parthasarathy presents a lecture on Dasa Sahitya in Phoenix in 1995. KSA also gets opportunity to host the scholar in 1997 and 2011

22. Kannada Sangha members enjoy the “Sugam Sangeet” musical concert by C. Ashwath, K.S. Surekha and troupe in 1995. During this concert they also rendered songs from movie “Mysore Mallige” inspired by K.S. Narasimhaswamy’s poems. During the same year President's National Teachers Awardee M.N. Sitaram Rao, Education Officer and college Principal addresses KSA members during Deepavali program.

23. KSA for the first time screens a Kannada Movie in 1995. An award winning movie “KOTRESHI KANASU” was shown and the director Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar was present during the screening. This sets the stage for screening many more Kannada movies in the coming years by KSA leaders. In 1996 M. S. Satyu film director from Bombay visits Tempe and releases Kannada Movie GALIGE at ASU. Kannada movie director T.S. Nagabharana, attends “Nagamandala” movie screening in 1998. M.D. Kowshik Kannada film director gives a talk on Manku Thimmana Kagga and DVG in 1999 followed by screening of his own production movie. Kannada movie producer A.S. Balu was present during the screening of his movie Aryabhata in the year 2000. Kannada movie director Rajendra Singh Babu meets KSA members in 2009 with producer Venkatesh.

KSA Members with movie producers M.D. Kowshik in 1999 and A. S. Balu in 2000 Nagathihalli Chandrashekar, M.S. Satyu, T.S. Nagabharana and Rajendra Singh Babu and their movies.

24. KSA presents in the summer of 1996, for the first time a large group in a live “Sound of Music” program with 11 members including famous playback and light music singer Manjula Gururaj, Mr. Gururaj, Puttur Narasimha Nayak, Pravin Godkhindi, Mimicry Dayanand and others. Artists Manjula Gururaj, Puttur Narasimha Nayak and

Praveen Godkhindi return to KSA in 1999 and present another musical concert, this time with Manjula Gururaj’s daughter Sangeetha who is a prolific singer.

25.

Indian Consulate General C. R. Balachandra was the chief guest at the “welcome event for ASU students” in 1996.

26.

KSA sets up an adhoc committee in 1996 to conduct a two day Sammelana in February 1998 in Phoenix. With the help of Dr. G. S. Shivarudrappa and Mr. Y. K. Muddukrishna, Secretary for Kannada Cultural Activities, KSA submits to the Chief Minister of Karnataka Mr. J. H. Patel a formal application seeking Karnataka Government support. The efforts were successful as the Chief Minister approves a team of artists for the Sammelana in 1998.

27. KSA presents a Sugama Sangeetha concert by Sri Narayana Rao Mane in September, 1997.

28. KSA conducted a very successful World Kannada Sammelana in 1998. The sammelana was graced by many dignitaries including famous writer Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa, Dr. G.S. Shivarudrappa, eminent poet and writer, Dr. S. Rame Gowda, Chairman of the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Programs were presented by famous artists Y.K. Muddukrishna, Kannada & Culture Director, Sugama Sangeetha singers Ratnamala Prakash, Shimoga Subbanna, Malathi Sharma, H.R. Leelavathi, Appagere Thimmaraju, Vocalist Bhagya Murthy from Singapore, Sumitra, Vimala Rajgopal and the famous L.G. Sisters of Bangalore, Muddu Mohan, B.V. Sreenivas, N.S. Prasad, N.S. Muralidhar, Bali and many others. More than 800 worldwide Kannadigas attended the event with participation of Kannada Kootas from Singapore, New York, San Diego, Southern California, Northern California, San Antonio-Texas, Seattle, Chicago, Florida, North Carolina and others.

Dr. S. L. Bhyrappa inaugurates 1998 Kannada Sammelana by lighting a lamp as Sammelana Chairman Seetha V. Ramaiah and KSA President N.V. Shamasundar observe.

Credit for success of sammelana goes to BSB Murthy, Seetha Ramaiah and HK Ramchandra (left)

Scenes from 1998 Kannada Sammelana.

Many children and youth joined the Grand Canyon tour with artists and guests from all over the world attending the Sammelana in 1998.

29. Visit to the Grand Canyon arranged for Kannada Sammelana attendees attracted 2 buses full of guests and artists. It was one of the most memorable moments to hear “Jai Bharata Jananiya Thanujathe, Jayahe Karnataka Mathe…”at the Mather Point of the Grand Canyon sung by famous artists from Karnataka.

30.

Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA) was founded in February 1998 during the World Kannada Sammelana in Phoenix, Arizona. AKKA has so far successfully organized 7 Kannada sammelanas (conferences) in the continent, the most recent one was held in Atlanta, Georgia in 2012. NAVIKA (North America Vishwa Kannada Association) was formed in 2009 and the history traces both organizations to KSA’s efforts in 1998.

31. KSA organized a tour of 14 cities for the 1998 Sammelana artists to perform for the various Kootas in USA. 32.

Pundit Madhava Gudi, famous Hindustani classical singer performs in 1998 33.

KSA presents Kathak dance recital by Mysore B. Nagaraj and troupe in 1998 34.

Hindustani Classical singer Pandit Vinayak Torvi presents a concert to Indian Community in 1998 35.

KSA working with IACRF raises good funds for both by promoting “Lakshmikant-Pyarelal” Bollywood Concert.

36.

H.D. Devegowda, former Prime Minister of India and Chief Minister of Karnataka addresses Indo-American community in 1998.

37.

Sandalwood actor “Pranayaraja Srinath” presents “Rasamanjari” program and the famous Udaya TV program “Adarsha Dampatigalu” in 1999. Srinath returns in 2001 to Phoenix and meets with KSA members.

38. KSA presents Carnatic Vocal concert by Sri Vidyabhushana in 1999.

39. KSA working with AKKA present the Legendary Comedy King Master Hirannaiah in Phoenix in 1999

40. KSA gets a Website for the first time in 1999 41. Sri K.N. Srihari, Secretary of Vidya Vardhaka Sangha, Bangalore delivers a talk on Sri G.P. Rajarathnam in 1999.

KSA felicitates Sri S. K. Harihareswara, pioneer Kannada promoter in USA & Rajyotsava Awardee and Sri Shantharam Somayaji, short story writer in the same year.

42. KSA raises funds and donates towards “Kargil War Relief fund� in India 43. KSA participates in IACRF India Festival in December 1999. The Food booth with Masala Dosa becomes a favorite with the attendees, resulting in raising good funds for KSA and making it an annual event every year, rain or shine.

Attorney General Terry Goddard at KSA Food Booth 2010 Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton admires KSA Dosa!

44.

C. Ashwath, music composer and singer trains KSA members to prepare for the mega program “Manuja Matha Vishwa Patha” to be presented with Kannadigas from all over USA in the first AKKA World Kannada Conference (WKC) in 2000 in Houston.

45.

KSA was well represented in the 1st AKKA World Millennium Kannada Conference in Houston, Texas hosted by Kannada Vrinda of Houston in the year 2000. More than 2000 people attended this conference. KSA members presented “Karnataka Vaibhava” with many children and youth, dance program “ Navarasa Karnataka” by Asha Gopal, Sandhya and Kiran Subramaniam and team, and participated in the C. Ashwath’s “ Manuja Matha, Vishwa Patha” with 120 participants from many Kannada Associations in USA. KSA also presented our own talented youth Prashant on Saxophone. KSA members have been attending and presenting cultural programs heralding KSA Banner all over USA including AKKA Sammelanas held in Detroit 2002, Orlando 2004, Washington DC 2006, Chicago 2008, New Jersey 2010, Atlanta 2012, and NAVIKA in California 2010 and Boston 2013

Houston WKC 2000

Detroit WKC 2002

KSA heralding its Banner at AKKA in Houston 2000, Detroit 2002, Orlando 2004, DC 2006, Chicago 2008, New Jersey 2010, Atlanta 2012 and at Navika in Los Angeles 2010 & Boston 2013.

Washington DC 2006

Chicago 2008

New Jersey 2010 KSA members with Sandalwood Stars Shivaraj Kumar and Jayanthi at Navika 2010 in Los Angeles

KSA members with Dr. Chandrashekara Kambara at AKKA WKC in 2012 in Atlanta

46. Eminent Poet Dr. N.S. Lakshminarayan Bhatta was the key note speaker at the 2000 ASU students welcome event.

47. Shatavadhani R. Ganesh an exponent in the art of Avadhana and B.K.S. Varma a noted painter from Karnataka present “Kavya-Chitra� programs and Yakshagana artists Mohan Karakar, Krishnamurthy Thunga, Mahabala Murthy and Sudarshana Urala present the 400 year old art Yakshagana during KSA's Deepavali celebrations in 2000, making it an unforgettable experience for KSA.

48. KSA conducts a mega picnic in 2001 with freshly prepared variety food and many sports and other activities for all ages, drawing large attendance. The success of the picnic becomes the basis for making it a KSA annual program that members eagerly look forward to attend. KSA had also organized picnics in 1993 in Tucson and in Phoenix in 1997.

49. KSA raises funds and donates for Gujarat earthquake disaster relief in 2001 50. Dr. G.S. Shivarudrappa an eminent Kannada Poet and Writer addresses KSA members in 2001 51.

Mridanga Vidhwan N. G. Ravi, Vocalist Neela Ramanuja, Dancers Veena Murthy, Sandhya and Kiran Subramaniam were honored at the ASU Students welcome event in 2001

Dr. G.S. Shivarudrappa (above). Eminent Artists at right honored by KSA at ASU Students Welcome!

52. In 2001 KSA, while sharing the sadness and anxieties of the nation, managed to successfully conduct all its scheduled events including the screening of 4 Kannada movies.

53. For the first time with major effort, a 104 page KSA Souvenir Magazine named ‘Chitrabhanu’ was released during the 2002 Ugadi celebrations. The magazine included KSA activities for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 along with many articles, photos and members directory.

54. Eminent Kannada poet and writer Prof. Nissar Ahmed visits Phoenix and was a guest of honor and key note speaker at ASU Students Welcome event in 2002. Noted Hindustani singer Dr. Nagaraj Hawaldar graced the occasion.

Prof. Nissar Ahmed on the left and Dr. Havaldar on the right

55. KSA working with AZINDIA and FAAA sister organizations presents “Janyam” a Carnatic Vocal Music Concert by Sangeetha Kalanidhi R. K. Srikantan and Sangeetha Kala Praveena R. S. Ramakanth, a rare father and son concert in May 2002

56. In 2002 KSA presents B. Jayashree, theater personality, actress and singer along with Kannada Sugama Sangeetha singers Ratnamala Prakash and Malati Sharma.

57. KSA successfully hosts for the first time, a Holiday Banquet in 2002.

58. KSA participates in the IACRF Health Fair event in November 2003 and serves delicious Upma to fasting community members. Same year KSA youth, volunteer at Mother Theresa’s shelter.

59. KSA starts participating in “Discover India” annual program organized by India Association to raise awareness of India in Arizona from 2004.

KSA presents an “Indian Wedding Demo” and a “Karaga Festival” scene at “Discover India” in 2006 and 2009 60. KSA participates and supports “Annual Charity Walk to Support Local Shelters” organized by Indo-American Foundation from 2004.

61. KSA raises funds and donates to the IACRF Tsunami relief fund in 2005.

62. KSA organizes “Manoranjani” a cultural event in 2005 as part of “AKKA Charity” initiative to raise funds to help educate poor children in Karnataka. Sandalwood actor Ramesh Arvind, TV Host Shylaja Santhosh, Comedian Sudha Baragur, Playback singers B.R Chaya and Ram Prasad, and musician Padmapani entertain the attendees.

63. For the first time KSA organizes “Cruise on Saguaro Lake” in 2006 chartering a special boat. Guests enjoyed Kannada music and authentic Karnataka cuisine while cruising on the lake.

64. KSA has screened many Kannada movies starting from 1995. One movie that deserves special mention is “Mungaaru Male” in 2007 which was HOUSEFUL. 65. KSA presents “Kannadave Satya” musical extravaganza by well-known singer Mr. C. Ashwath and artists Sunitha & Supriya Acharya in 2008. Oratorian Dr. K. P. Putturaya graces the occasion with his humorous talk.

66. KSA Youth charity “ASHA for Education”.

in 2009 participate in IACRF “India Festival” and raise funds for the

67. KSA working with AKKA in 2009 presents “Nagokilla Recession" a fun filled evening with Karnataka comedy Kings Gangavathi Beechi Pranesh, Richard Lewis and Mimicry Dayanand.

68. KSA raises funds to help Karnataka flood victims in 2010 69. During November 2010, for the first time Kannada Sangha presents ‘Discover Karnataka’ event showcasing the State of Karnataka and its rich cultural heritage including music, dance, exhibits and food with the support of IACRF, to raise awareness of Karnataka. BS Chandrasekhar, famous Indian Cricketer from Karnataka attends as chief guest.

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More than 1000 from the community attended the day long “Discover Karnataka” Program in 2010 at the Community Center.

70. KSA in 2011 participates in the Memorial Day community event in Phoenix commemorating those who have fought for our freedom and lost their lives for the country. During the same year a new program called “Smarane” was started as a platform to discuss the contributions of scholars, rulers and various other eminent persons, to Kannada culture and heritage.

71. During 2012 KSA board starts planning for its “Belli Habba” - Silver Jubilee celebrations of KSA in 2013.

72.

During 2013 Indo-American Foundation celebrating its own Silver Jubilee, recognizes and honors KSA for outstanding support over the 25 years and agrees to co-sponsor KSA Silver Jubilee Celebrations in November 2013.

Dignitaries/Artists who have visited KSA during the first 25 years!

1. Dr. G.S. Shivarudrappa - Kannada poet and writer – 1987, 1998, 2001 2. S. Krishnaswamy & S.N. Subbarao Singers- 1988 3. Mysore Ananthaswamy, Raju & Sunita - Sugama Sangeetha Singers-1988 4. Sunita Ananthaswamy – Kannada Sugama Sangeetha Singer - 1994 5. Dr. M.C. Modi - World Famous Ophthalmologist - 1995 6. C. Ashwath - Sugama Sangeetha, composer & Singer-1995, 2000, 2008 7. K.S. Surekha - Kannada Sugama Sangeetha singer – 1995 8. Aralumallige Parthasarathy – Dasa Sahitya Scholar 1995, 1997, 2011 9. M.N. Sitaram Rao- President’s National Teachers Awardee -1995 10. Nagathihalli Chandrashekar – Cinema director, actor and lyricist -1995 11. Manjula Gururaj – Kannada cinema playback singer -1996, 1998 12. Puttur Narasimha Nayak – Kannada singer, Vocalist – 1996, 1998 13. Mimicry Dayanand – Kannada TV and cinema actor – 1996, 1998 14. Praveen Godkhindi – Flute maestro from Karnataka – 1996, 1998 15. M.S. Satyu – Movie director – 1996 16. C.R. Balachandra - Ambassador Indian consulate in San Francisco – 1996 17. Narayana Rao Mane- Sugama Sangeetha - 1997 18. Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa – Kannada Novelist 1998 19. Dr. S. Rame Gowda - Chairman, AICTE & VC of Karnataka University - 1998.

20. Y.K. Muddukrishna – Kannada Sugama Sangeetha - 1998 21. Ratnamala Prakash – Kannada Sugama Sangeetha – 1998,2000,2002

22. Shimoga Subbanna - Kannada Sugama Sangeetha - 1998 23. Malati Sharma - Kannada Sugama Sangeetha – 1998,2002 24. H.R. Leelavathi - Kannada Sugama Sangeetha - 1998 25. Appagere Thimmaraju – Kannada folk singer - 1998 26. Bhagya Murthy, Singapore – Vocalist 1998 27. Dr. Sumitra, Vimala Rajgopal and L.G. Sisters of Bangalore - 1998 28. Muddu Mohan, - Kannada Hindustani classical Music -1998 29. B.V. Sreenivas, N.S. Prasad, N.S. Muralidhar, Bali - Musicians - 1998 30. Pundit Madhava Gudi - Hindustani classical singer - 1998 31. Mysore B. Nagaraj and Troupe Kathak Dancers - 1998 32. Pandit Vinayak Torvi - Hindustani Classical singer- 1998 33. H.D. Devegowda – 11th PM of India & 14th CM of Karnataka State – 1998 34. T.S. Nagabharana – Kannada movie director - 1998 35. Master Hirannaiah – Kannada drama actor - 1999 36. Srinath – Kannada cinema actor – 1999, 2001 37. Vidyabhushana - Kannada singer, Vocalist – 1999 38. M.D. Kowshik - Kannada film director 1999 39. K.N. Srihari - Secretary, Vidya Vardhaka Sangha, Bangalore - 1999.

40. S.K. Harihareswara – Writer, Pioneer Kannada Promoter in USA - 1999 41. Shantharam Somayaji – Short Story Writer - 1999 42. N.S. Lakshminarayan Bhatta – Kannada Poet – 2000

43. A.S. Balu – Aryabhata Kannada Movie 54. B.R. Chaya – Playback Singer and Producer – 2000 Sugama Sangeetha Singer - 2005 44. Shatavadhani R Ganesh – Art of 55. Sudha Baragur - Kannada Comedian Avadhana – 2000 2005 45. B.K.S. Varma – Painter from Karnataka 56. Shylaja Santhosh – Kannada TV Host – -2000 2005 46. Yakshagana Artists Mohan Karakar, 57. Ram Prasad – Kannada cinema Krishnamurthy Thunga, Mahabala playback Singer -2005 Murthy, Sudarshana Urala - 2000 58. Rajendra Singh Babu – Kannada Movie 47. N.G. Ravi – Mridanga Vidhwan - 2001 Director – 2007 48. Neela Ramanuja – Vocalist – 2001 59. Jogi Sunitha - Kannada Sugama 49. R.K. Srikantan – Karnataka Vocalist – Sangeetha Singer – 2008 2002 60. Supriya Acharya - Kannada Sugama 50. Nissar Ahmed – Kannada Poet and Sangeetha Singer – 2008 writer – 2002 61. K.P. Putturaya – Professor and 51. Nagaraja Rao Havaldar – Hindustani Oratorian – 2008 Classical Vocalist from Karnataka 62. Gangavathi Beechi Pranesh, Mimicry 2002 Dayanand & Richard Lewis – Kannada 52. B. Jayashree – Theater Personality, Comedians 2009 Actress, Singer - 2002 63. B.S. Chandrasekhar – Famous Indian 53. Ramesh Aravind - Kannada Cinema Cricketer from Karnataka – 2010 Actor – 2005 *********************************************************************************************

Acknowledgments: Sincere thanks to the following contributors for the Journey to KSA memory lane: Achut Kumar, Anand Burji, Ananth and Sharada Rao, Anita and Madhav Rangaswami, Asha and N. Gopal, B.S.B. Murthy, Girija and Krish Krishnamurthy, Gita and Jagdish Sagar, Kalpana and Kumar Shiralagi, Kavita Kulkarni, Keshav Murthy, Krishna Shetty, Kumar Javarayappa, Kumara Swamy, Mangala and Rama Muddaraj, Meera and Ram Krishna, Mysore Suresh, Prakash Joshi, Rama Sharma, Ramesh Arakere, Roopa Pandarinath, Sandhya Kumar, Seetha Ramaiah, Shamala Chickamenahalli, Shashi Gundurao, Shruthi Manjunath, Shubada Deshpande, Subbu Konanur, Sudhakar Saraswatipaura, Surendra Kadegowda, T. L. Mahesh, Uma and HK Ramchandra, Uma and NV Shamasundar, Vijaya Mandyam, Vinay Kumar and many others.

“A Silver Jubilee is a huge achievement by any standard, a momentous occasion, time to pause and reflect on all the good work done, thank every person who has contributed and look forward to how very much more needs to be done” – Anonymous Important Note: All efforts have been made to present the best available information about 25 Years of KSA activities working with KSA Presidents, Board of Directors and KSA members reports and recollections. Any errors and/or omissions are not intentional. Thank You!

First 25 PRESIDENTS of KSA We admire and congratulate leaders of Kannada Sangha of Arizona over the last 25 years

N.V. Shamasundar 1988-1989

Seetha V.Ramaiah 1989-1990

Vittal Srimushnam 1990-1991

Uma Shamasundar 1991-1992

Mysore Suresh 1992-1993

Nagaraja Setty 1993-1994

Kumara Shiralagi 1994-1995

Uma Ramchandra 1995-1996

B.S.B. Murthy 1996-1997

N.V. Shamasundar 1997-1998

Shashi Gundurao 1998-1999

Ananth Rao 1999-2000

Jagdish Sagar 2000-2001

Krishna Shetty 2001-2002

Ram Krishna 2002-2003

Achut Kumar 2003-2004

Roopa Pandarinath 2004-2005

Anand Burji 2005-2006

Meera Krishna 2006-2007

T.L. Mahesh 2007-2008

Girija Krishnamurthy 2008-2009

Kumara Swamy 2009-2010

Sharada Rao 2010-2011

Subbu Konanur 2011-2012

Prakash Joshi 2012-2013-SJ Year

KSA Board of Directors & Major Committees 1987-2013 Database Creation: Jagdish Sagar

1987 KSA Constitution Committee: Seetha V. Ramaiah, Chairman, Drafter of the Constitution Members: N.V. Shamasundar, Shantha Rao and Usha Bhat 1995 KSA Constitution Amendment Committee: H.K. Ramchandra, Chairman Members: H.N. Shivaswamy, Peri Shankar, B.S.B. Murthy, Madeleine Ramaiah and Uma Ramchandra 1988-1989 N.V. Shamasundar Seetha V. Ramaiah B.S.B. Murthy Kowdle Prasad Ramesh Arakere Shashi Gundurao Medha Kotwal Anita Rangaswami Kumar Shiralagi (ASU) 1992-1993 KSA BOD Mysore Suresh President Vice President Sudhir Kumar Secretary Ravi Gorur Treasurer Nagaraja Setty Directors Jyothsna Moudgal Shashi Gundurao Lalitha S Murthy Gopal Srinath(ASU) KSA BOD President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Directors

1989-1990 Seetha V. Ramaiah N.V. Shamasundar Shashi Gundurao Deepak Nagaraja Pushpa Gorur Badri Prasad Anita Rangaswami Panna Srimushnam H.S. Prasad(ASU)

1990-1991 Vittal Srimushnam Shantha Rao B.S.B. Murthy Deepak Nagaraja Ben Nagaraj Padma Shivaswamy Uma Shamasundar Badri Prasad

1991-1992 Uma Shamasundar Sudhir Kumar Ravi Gorur Shanker Bhat B.S.B. Murthy Ben Nagaraj Padma Shivaswamy Mysore Suresh Gopal Srinath(ASU)

1994-1995 Kumar Shiralagi Jyothi Murthy Ramesh Arakere K R Vishwanath Richard Fernandes Roopa Pandarinath Gayathri Shankar Shashikala Yekanath Meera Jagannath(ASU) 1998 Sammelana Adhoc Committee Seetha V. Ramaiah Gita Sagar R.N. Prabhakar B.S.B. Murthy N.S.Prakash N.V. Shamasundar Formed by 1996-1997 KSA Board

1995-1996 Uma Ramchandra Ramesh Arakere Srinivas Rao T. L. Mahesh Madeleine Ramaiah B.L. Ramakrishna Gayathri Shankar Kumar Shiralagi Meera Jagannath(ASU) 1998 Sammelana Final Committee Chairman: Seetha V. Ramaiah Vice Chair: N.S.Prakash Secretary: B.S.B. Murthy Treasurer: H.K. Ramchandra KSA President: N.V. Shamasundar

KSA BOD

1996-1997

1993-1994 Nagaraja Setty Shashikala Yekanath Jyothsna Moudgal Venkat Narayan Keshav Murty Roopa Pandarinath Anita Rangaswami N.V. Shamasundar Mukund Shenoy(ASU) 1997-1998

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Directors

B.S.B. Murthy R.N. Prabhakar N.S.Prakash Ananth Rao T. L. Mahesh Mamata Prasad Gita Sagar PadmaShivaswamy Sharath & Nandini Subbarao(ASU)

N.V. Shamasundar N.S.Prakash B.S.B. Murthy Srinivasa Rangan Rashmi Kumar Mangala Muddaraj Sridhar Rajagopal Nandini Subbarao KolarBalasubramanyam (ASU)

Sincere “THANK YOU� to all the Presidents, Directors and Volunteers for serving KSA from 1987 to 2013. JOB WELL DONE!

KSA BOD President Vice President Secretary

1998-1999 Shashi Gundurao Tulasidas Kuruvanka Sridhar Rajagopal

1999-2000 Ananth Rao Tulasidas Kuruvanka Ravi Gorur

2001-2002 Krishna Shetty Ram Krishna Sudhindra Bangalore Thiru Mandyam ShamalaChickamenahalli Vidya Gadagkar Jagdish Sagar Vidya Viswanath Madhu Reddy(ASU)

2003-2004 Achut Kumar

2000-2001 Jagdish Sagar Girija Krishnamurthy Kumar Javarayappa Kumara Swamy Krishna Shetty Jayavathi Arjuna Vidya Gadagkar Vijay Kumar Ananth Rao Mysore Suresh Rabinandan Gowravarjanam(ASU) 2004-2005 Roopa Pandarinath

Treasurer Directors

Kowdle Prasad Rashmi Kumar T. L. Mahesh Mangala Muddaraj Nandini Ramesh Sukumar Raghuram(ASU)

Kowdle Prasad Shashi Gundurao Girija Krishnamurthy Nandini Ramesh Mysore Suresh Raghavendra Nagaraj(ASU)

KSA BOD President

2002-2003 Ram Krishna

Vice President Achut Kumar Secretary Divya Mahesh Hemanth Kumar Treasurer Thiru Mandyam

Hemanth Kumar Divya Mahesh

Keni Prasad Srinath Kadaba

Meera Krishna Ullas Vijaysimh

Bharath Kanagal

Anand Burji

Directors

Roopa Pandarinath Keni Prasad Anita Rangaswami Sujatha Sanjay Harish Bashettihalli(ASU)

SudhakarSaraswatipura Bhaktha Keshavachar Vijaya Mandyam Gouri Shetty Kumara Swamy

Bharath Kanagal Jyothsna Moudhgal Anita Rangaswami Pandarinath(ASU)

2005-2006 Anand Burji

Jaya Moodabagil D. Rajashekar SudhakarSaraswatipura Ullas Vijaysimh Bharath Venugopal(ASU) 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 KSA BOD Meera Krishna T. L. Mahesh Girija Krishnamurthy Kumara Swamy President Vice President Gouri Shetty Ramesh Arakere Manjunath Nagappa Rama Sharma Secretary Kumara Swamy Satya Krishnamurthi Satya Krishnamurthi Usha Suresh Treasurer Keshav Murty Pradeep Jana Rama Sharma Vandith Reddy Directors Ramesh Arakere Girija Krishnamurthy Krishnachandra D Rashmi Deshpande Rashmi Kumar Keshav Murty Sudha Puttur Sharada Rao T. L. Mahesh Manjunath Nagappa Anu Srinivasan Vineet Rao Vijaya Mandyam Anu Srinivasan Kumara Swamy Prasad Samak Adarsh Murthy(ASU) Adarsh Murthy(ASU) Sudhir Kumar(ASU) Rajeshwari Sastry 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 KSA BOD Sharada Rao Subbu Konanur Prakash Joshi Ramesh Arakere President Vice President Vineet Rao Maya Krishnaswamy Leela Nataraj Kamalakshi Murthy Secretary Puneeth Upadhyaya Raghu Nandan Mahesh Dharan Vinutha Kumar Treasurer Vandith Reddy Mahesh Dharan Surendra Kadegowda Kannan Iyengar Directors Kumar Javarayappa Shanta Hariharan Kannan Iyengar Shridhar Chennagiri Subbu Konanur Kumar Javarayappa Vinutha Kumar Sudha Dinesh Maya Krishnaswamy Prakash Joshi Kamalakshi Murthy Shaila Keshav Vishwanath Pavate Leela Nataraj Raghu Nandan Subbu Konanur Rajeshwari Sastry Dinesh Rao Deepak Srikantiah Kavita Kulkarni “KSA25 - A Journey down the Memory Lane” article includes 185 pictures, 72 KSA Notable Highlights, 63 Visiting Dignitaries, providing glimpses of 25 years of accomplishments by KSA. Note: Please contact KSA Board with any feedback. Any errors and omissions are not intentional.